The national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, over alleged anti-party activities.

The PDP also suspended Anyim Pius Anyim, former secretary to the government of the federation, Ibrahim Shema, former governor of Katsina state, and two others over the same allegation.

The NWC said Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, has been referred to a disciplinary committee.

Other suspended members are Dennis Ityavyar (Benue) and Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara).

In a statement issued on Thursday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said the decision to refer Ortom to the national disciplinary committee over his alleged involvement in anti-party activities was taken after a “very extensive review of the affairs of our party in the country and pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017)”.

The party’s spokesperson said the suspension of the four members was with immediate effect.

“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders, and teeming members of our party across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time,” he said.

Fayose’s suspension comes days after he mocked Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto, for losing the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 18 governorship election.

He had also said anyone planning to “unseat” President-elect, Bola Tinubu through the court is “daydreaming”.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP, is challenging Tinubu’s victory in the court.

Anyim had declared support for Francis Nwifuru, APC governor-elect in Ebonyi, days before the governorship poll in the state.